If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years, it’s that plumbers and electricians have some of the most specialized (and expensive) tools on the market! But with that said, these tools allow these fine folks to work smarter, faster, and easier. Here’s a quick look at a few must-have tools geared toward Pro plumbers and electricians!
DeWalt 20V XR 1 1/2-Inch PEX Expander DCE410P1
Over the last few years, PEX has steadily become the new standard for modern plumbing and repiping applications, replacing copper and CPVC as the gold standard. With that, a whole new set of tools is required for the job. Enter the DeWalt 20V XR 1 1/2-Inch PEX Expander—a lightweight cordless solution for expanding up to 1 1/2-inch PEX pipe, including Uponor and ProPEX tubing.
This tool is designed to work quickly and efficiently, claiming up to eighty-one 1 1/2-inch expansions when using a standard 5.0Ah battery. The right-angle design is ideal for overhead work, reducing the strain on your wrist while you work. Having DeWalt expand further into the PEX expander category certainly fosters much-needed innovation and competition in the marketplace!
This tool retails for $449 as a bare tool and $849 as a kit. The kit includes a 5.0Ah battery, charger, and three expansion heads: 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch, and 1 1/2-inch.
Milwaukee M12 Brushless Copper Tubing Cutter 2479
I remember the original M12 copper tubing cutters because they absolutely revolutionized copper plumbing by eliminating one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. Now, Milwaukee upped the game with their M12 Brushless 1 1/4 to 2-inch Copper Tubing Cutter. This tool automatically adjusts to fit Type K, L, and M copper pipes up to 2 inches.
The rotating head ensures easier access, even in tight spaces, and eliminates the arduous (and boring) task of cutting with a manual pipe cutter. Additionally, a built-in LED light and view window help you see what you’re doing and monitor your cut more easily.
This copper tubing cutter retails for $399 as a bare tool.
Danco Disposal Installation Tool 12076
Danco’s Disposal Installation Tool helps a single person easily install a garbage disposal by following three straightforward steps: hook, lift, and lock. By lifting and holding the disposal from above the sink, it eliminates the strain of aligning the locking tabs while supporting the disposal’s weight.
The main benefit is that this tool simplifies what is typically a nearly impossible task to accomplish by yourself. I can see this coming in handy for Professionals, homeowners, and DIYers who need an extra hand from time to time. It should be compatible with most major brands, including InSinkErator, Waste-King, and others. Heck, with a price tag under $10, maybe it should come standard in the box when you buy a new disposal.
This handy tool retails for $9.97.
Milwaukee M18 Force Logic 5-Inch Underground Cable Cutter 2875R-21
The Milwaukee M18 Force Logic 5-inch Underground Cable Cutter is a fantastic new tool for power utility professionals. This cutter can handle heavily insulated cables up to 5 inches and features wireless operation capabilities. This allows you to put some distance between yourself and the cutting area—up to 200 feet to be exact! The secure connection between the remote and the cutter helps reduce the potential hazards of cutting these wires in the field.
Milwaukee designed the wireless controller with a green LED indicator that helps identify and confirm a successful cut without needing to visually inspect the area. Milwaukee also equipped this cutter with a handy 180° rotating head and ergonomic articulating front D-handle grip. Plus, it’s perfectly balanced, so it’s easy to carry from the truck or van to the jobsite.
This cable cutter retails for $7,500 and is set to hit the shelves in Q1 2025.
DeWalt Impact Connect Pipe Cutter Attachment
Plumbers and electricians don’t always get along, but at least they can agree that using manual hand cutters for pipe sucks. Offering a potential remedy for the pain, DeWalt’s Impact Connect Pipe Cutter Attachment is an attachment for your impact driver, and we were able to put it to work.
The type of pipe you cut most often determines which of the two models is the best fit. The PVC/PEX Pipe Cutter Attachment (DWAPVCIR) cuts up to 2 inches in diameter. In addition to PEX and PVC (up to Schedule 80), it can also tackle most other plastic piping or conduit. It’s up to 6 times faster than cutting manually and left us with impressively clean cuts during our testing.
There’s also a Copper Pipe Cutting Attachment (DWACPIR). This one uses cutting wheels similar to other manual and powered copper pipe cutters. It comes with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch cutting wheels, plus you can also grab a 1-inch cutting wheel separately. You can use it on type K, L, and M copper pipes.
These attachments are easy to install, easy to use, and save a ton of time on the job compared to their manual counterparts. Better yet, you can install them on nearly any brand of impact driver, not just DeWalt. While they might seem a little gimmicky, trust me, they’re the real deal!
Both models retail for $119.
Ideal BlueView Digital Fish Tape 31-656
On the surface, the BlueView Digital Fish Tape is just another run-of-the-mill fish tape, but this tool has a cool trick up its sleeve. While the basic functionality remains basically unchanged, Ideal added a digital screen that actively tracks how far you’ve extended the tape.
The BlueView fish tape displays the distance in 1-foot increments and automatically rounds up to the next foot to help prevent cutting your wires short. If you happen to break the carbon steel tape, the counter will automatically reset to 0 feet after you turn it off. Additionally, replacement tapes are available from Ideal.
The beauty of this tool is that it allows you to feed wires efficiently, identify blockages or snags inside your conduit, and ultimately reduce material waste.
This fish tape is available in two different lengths. A 120-foot model retails for $90.96, and a 240-foot fish tape is available for $122.49
